Countdown Towns: A First Night Guide to Ringing in 2013

When the clock strikes midnight on December 31, revelers around the state will watch 2012 go out with a bang of fireworks. Since that’s well past kids’ — and some parents’ — bedtimes, it’s a good thing First Night celebrations in Burlington and St. Johnsbury cater to the younger crowd, too. Read on to find family-friendly highlights for each. Happy New Year!

First Night Burlington: Monday, December 31, noon to midnight, in downtown Burlington. All ages. $5-27 First Night button; family packs may be available; additional $4 tickets required at select venues. Info, 863-6005.

Chris Dorman: The singer-songwriter who leads Bread and Butter Farms’ popular Music for Sprouts children’s program hosts this tuneful gathering. First Congregational Church Chapel, noon-12:40 p.m. and 4-4:40 p.m.

Sing-Along With Megan, Emer & Robert: Megan Butterfield, Emer Feeney and Robert Resnick lead a kazoo-accompanied performance of kids songs and show tunes. First Congregational Church Chapel, 2-2:40 p.m.

Family Contra Dance: Family members join hands and master the art of early-American folk dance to calling by Ben Bergstein and tunes by David Carpenter, Jason Bergman and April Werner. St. Johnsbury School Multipurpose Room, 7-9:30 p.m.

Family Fun Fair: Little ones delight in face painting, balloon animals, a clown show and more. St. Johnsbury Academy Field House, 4-8 p.m.

Fireworks: Revelers look to the sky for the raising of a lighted ball and a spectacular lights show. St. Johnsbury Academy Field House, midnight.

The King of Silly: A juggling unicyclist unveils new material in this side-splitting production. Fuller Hall, St. Johnsbury Academy, 4 p.m.Planetarium Shows: Astronomy experts illuminate the constellations, mythology and different world views of the night sky in “It’s About Time.” 20-minute presentations run continuously at Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, 6-9 p.m.